lsupremo Loc: Palm Desert, CA

I have found deals on eBay for both Aurora HDR, and Luminar 4 software plus others for about $5.00?? Have any of you Hogers bought any of these? Do they work? How do they arrive? How did you download them?

tjw47 Loc: Michigan

Luminar Software is available as a "FREE" trial on their website. Without a valid s/n the software quits after the trial period.

Why would you want to download software from other than the manufacturer? If you install software from some unknown site - mostly you are also getting virus and spyware installed on your computer. There is a reason why the software is cheap... " Trojan Horse" !

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

To the best of my knowledge, Skylum does not have authorized resellers or dealers that sell their software. You purchase it directly from Skylum and download it from their website.

Looking at a few of the eBay sellers that were selling Aurora and Luminar, one of the things I noticed is they say "unlimited number of installs or computers", which is different than what Skylum lists (2 installs) on their website.

I would be extremely leery of purchasing any software being sold for $5.00 from any eBay seller. Thats just me, you certainly can do what you feel is best for you.

tjw47 Loc: Michigan

There are Authorized resellers... You can get it on AMAZON for example.
Skylum has an "afilliate" program... You earn comissions.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

Thanks for that update. I didn't see anything on their website regarding that.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

I could probably find a dozen (or three) same/similar subjects on here. BUT anyway ...

1) I have a bad computer. I take it apart fpr parts to sell. I take the Aurora serial number, and sell that.
a) I have one number per HDD, format the drive to test and clear, and sell the drive- as "good".
b) I have one number per HDD, delete the files on the drive to clear, and sell the drive as "used".
c) I have one number per HDD, test the drive for function, and sell the drive "as is".
Behind door "A", done right you should be the new rightful owner of a license.
Door "B" you could be, unless somebody undeletes the drive, which then segues into
Door "C" you won't be. Your number matches the original software, HDD, setup, etc that someone else has.
Door "D". The original owner updates- problem!- his name/password/account deletes yours.

2) Company buys 100 licenses. Uses 75. That's 25 unregistered unused licenses on the shelf.
a) I sell 25 new licenses. MAYbe the company didn't register all 100. MAYbe they weren't registered at sale.
b) Company upgrades. All 100 decertified. MAYbe the company and/or software maker cleared the records.
c) Company upgrades. MAYbe the company and/or software maker cleared the records. Probably not.
b) Company upgrades. All 100 PCs sold. MAYbe the company IT guy cleared them? GOTO Option 1

There are many other examples, and other other corollaries to all this.
1) Adobe. It;s just not worth it to bootleg their software!
@ 40 years ago someone else figured it out. Sold a "C" program, software and manual, for $60. When piracy ran wild, this kind of software was selling for hundreds, and folk were selling how-to books for $50 to $75. It wasn't worth stealing! I bought it- and got a real clean program, the real manual, the real license, and real support. Adobe PS and LR- $10 a month. You get the *real* software, the tutorials, directions, examples, support, upgrades, iCloud account and forum access. *I* am using Capture1, Affiniyu, and Adobe Elements instead. For the money, the ease and use of a single interface and compatibilty- I may join the dark side when the upgrade$$ and relicensing time$$ come out. Don't tell anybody, tho. ;-}

2) You bought a eBay bootleg license? Good for you!
a) Download the software. Run your virus checker and malware biter immediately.
b) Check Google for and do host file suggestions, then physically disconnect your computer from the Internet.
c) Install the program "offline", activate with your new license- does it work?
d) Turn the program off, then on again- make sure it all works, it's activated, with your license
e) Hit the menus. Updates, upgrades, ANY contact with the parent company- all turned off.
f) While you're at it, make sure your firewall allows NO in or output with this program.
g) Plug in the Internet and reboot. Make sure everything still works, Success!
What you have is what you got. Need more? New? Upgrade? Buy another, and repeat.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You download the software from the manufacturer, and the company on eBay sends you a code that may or not work. I prefer paying full price - depending what it is - and getting the real item.

Canisdirus

I shopped for a Panama hat once... wavering between a cheapie and a rather well made but expensive one.
The owner quipped from his counter...

Buy cheaply...and you will cry a thousand times.
Buy quality...and you only cry once...when you buy it.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

My father had a saying “you get what you pay for.”

n46130

My experience has been that the software usually as the manufacturer's product but you can't get support, updates, or upgrades. If you want a cheap way out for playing around with you probably will be happy. But remember you are not getting a product that the manufacturer will stand behind. You are getting what you pay for.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right! If I pay for something, I make sure that I leave the store with it.

tkvaughn Loc: Merrick, NY

Skylum has pretty good deals for both right now. I would go with OEM. Plus you’ll get updates

tkvaughn Loc: Merrick, NY

Actually i would never advertise that i was doing that. It’s illegal and unethical

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Buyer Beware....

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

After thinking about your question for awhile, here is my answer: it think there is way too much chance of getting a pirated copy for me to ever consider doing such a thing.